Naturally it is something they want to maintain but, speaking ahead of the Wigan clash, Mancini's number two David Platt played down its significance.

The first-team coach said: "The unbeaten run is there, it becomes a thing people talk about, but it counts for nothing if you are drawing games and drawing games and drawing games.

"We see that after 13 games, we are still a point behind (Manchester) United, who have lost three games but have also got 10 victories.

"We will try to protect the unbeaten run, but not to the point where we are going to stop trying to win games.

"It gives you a confidence that you are difficult to beat but that is all it does."

Platt landed himself in trouble last week when he was sent to the stands during City's Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.

He is now banned from the touchline for next week's final Group D game at Borussia Dortmund, a match from which the best City can do is secure a consolation place in the Europa League.

Platt said: "It's a mistake of mine. I grumbled about the referee to the fourth official. Letter of the law says you can't do that, and I accept the responsibility and the decision."

Platt, speaking at a press conference to preview the Wigan game, had words of support for winger Scott Sinclair, who is still to make an impact since his August move to City.

The 23-year-old Great Britain Olympic player, signed for a reported £6.2million, has made just five appearances.

Platt said: "Every player wants to feature more, and Scott is doing fine. He has done well when he has come on, and when he has started games as well, but we have a big squad and everyone is aware of that."

City are still without left-back Gael Clichy due to an ankle injury while right-back Micah Richards remains sidelined following knee surgery last month.

There remains uncertainty over when he will return with the player having feared a lay-off of up to four months, but Mancini delivering a far more optimistic assessment.

Platt said: "Micah is progressing. Our immediate concern is always for players who are on the horizon to come back and Micah is not quite there yet.

"In terms of getting back to playing, without knowing, even if he gets back on the training pitch in two or three weeks, it is probably going to be a three-month thing."